Longview Community Ministries depends on volunteers and the generosity of the people of Longview! On-the-job-training with an experienced volunteer is available to those wishing to help the neediest of our community.

Organizing food drives throughout the year helps to keep the Food Box shelves stocked as the demand contuines to grow. The summer months are the leanest! Barrels for food drives at your job, place of worship, civic organization, sporting events, etc, can be picked up or delivered to your location.

Cash donations are always needed and appreciated!

Volunteer Opportunities

Longview Community Ministries depends on volunteers! There are many opportunities, for you to choose from. LCM Volunteer Applications are available here or in the service center waiting room. You can choose based on your experience, time, availability and interests.

Children under 10 years of age may help LCM with food drives, saving gently used coats or jeans, or participating in food drives at their churches, schools, or other organizations they may be involved with.

Receptionist

One morning a week, 9:00AM-12:30PM. Requirements include a heart for service and ability to multi-task!

Computer Assistance and/or Clerical Help

Caseworker (Interviewer)

One morning a week, 9:00AM-12:30PM. Interviewers must have the ability to listen to the heartbreaking stories of our clients' lives without being judgmental. Interviewers receive many guidelines and training in order to accomplish this very important task.

Food Pantry

One morning a week, 9:00AM-12:30PM. Food Box volunteers are "hands on" in moving cases of food, receiving donations, packing bags of food quickly, and working with others in a relatively small space.

Grocery Pick-up

If you have a truck and some time, please let us know. LCM often has requests to pick up donated food from different locations or move food from our off-site storage. A strong back and an available truck are always needed at LCM!

Meals on Wheels Drivers

Volunteers meet at the MOW distribution location once a month to pick up the hot meals and a list of clients for distribution. The route sheets and food are then taken to the door of each individual needing that nourishment. This is a most rewarding program for participation.

Teachers for Learning Lab

There is always a need for individual attention in the classes taught through our Learning Lab. If you are a willing instructor with a great compassion for those trying to better themselves, you can help in the LCM Learning Lab.

Coats for Kids

The second Saturday in November is distribution day for Coats for Kids. There is always a need for help in setting up the Broughton Recreation Center in preparation for this day. Coats must be sorted by size and displayed on racks in a manner that can be easily accessed by parents and children.

The Family Crisis Service Center meets with each family who seeks assistance from Longview Community Ministries. Requests vary but include: food, rent, utilities, transportation, fans, medical assistance as well as free basic life and job skill training classes.

Volunteer interviewers identify families who would qualify for established community/state programs (i.e. sliding scale low/no cost health insurance for children, further nutritional guidance for women and children, parenting programs, etc...) and refer them to the appropriate agency for on-going assistance.

Requirements for Financial Assistance

Proof of Longview residency

Valid photo identification

Social Security cards for all members of household

Proof of income for all members of househole over 18

Be able to answer questions regarding monthly income and expenses

Typical Requests for Assistance

Rental Assistance

Funding for emergency rental assistance is limited and available to families on a one time only basis who can provide proof of a Longview address and meet certain criteria. Families must have signed separate documentation (LCM will provide the correct form) indicating evidence of paying full market rent. If the family has not received emergency rental assistance within the last two years, they may be eligible for the Incremental Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) (click here for brochure). IHAP requires clients to attend one class per month for the duration of 4 months to qualify for increments of $200; $150; $100 and $50 per month toward rent.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMERGENCY AND INCREMENTAL HOUSING RENT CLASSES

Rent Verification Letter must be filled out BEFORE your INTERVIEW. Please take the Rent Verification Letter to your property owner/landlord and return to LCM between

9:00 - 11:30am Monday – Friday for an interview.

Rent is available on a first come first served basis.

The following types of assistance are available:

Partial Emergency Rent - assistance with current month's rent

Partial Past Due Rent - assistance with previous month's rent

Partial First Month's Rent - assistance with rent at new residence

Cannot assist with any deposits

Must have applied, paid deposits and been accepted to move into residence

Must have a Longview address

Must not ever had Incremental Housing rent classes

May not have rent amount adjusted due to income (City housing, HUD housing, Habitat Housing, Home Tax Credit Property or any type of subsidized rent) – must be paying “market rate”

Must have the following in hand when you come for your appointment

Completed Rent Verification letter

Photo ID

Social Security cards for all members of the household

Proof of income (last pay stub or copy of SSI) for all adult members of household

Utilities

LCM offers financial assistance to help pay utilities for families in crisis. These funds are available to those who have a bill within five days of the due date ordisconnect or late payment status. Utility assistance is provided with proof of payment for the remainder of bill. Assistance may be for electricity ($100 max), water ($50 max), gas ($50 max) and spaced at least two months apart. Utility assistance is limited to a maximum of 3 assists per utility, for a total of 9 utility assists in a lifetime. The bill must be presented, and must be in the name of the person requesting the assistance. Attendance of LCM’s financial management classes is required after the 2nd and 3rd utility assistance, in order to receive further financial assistance of any kind.

Medical

LCM may provide assistance for medication for an acute illness. LCM is unable to assist with any prescriptions for pain, mood altering, or anxiety medications, whether or not it is a controlled substance/narcotic. An approximate maximum of $80 per client with a minimum of two to three month intervals for services is required. Attendance of LCM’s Medication Education class is required after a 2nd Rx assistance, in order receive continued Rx assistance. Rx assistance may resume after completion of required class.

Dental assistance will be provided for extractions only. Adults may receive one dental extraction every two years.

Any resident of Longview can receive emergency food once a month. There is a form to be filled out at the Longview Community Ministries Office to gather information so the correct amount of food is given; those with larger families need more.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Items such as steel toed boots, birth certificates, or other work related necessities may be provided with appropriate documentation from employers. Transportation provided for documented out of town medical appointments. Also, fans and heaters for elderly (65+) or disabled, and families with infants may be available every two years.